Tag: Chicago Ceo Photograph

Hello there I am Shawn Kinney a Portrait/Fitness photographer based out of Chicago Il. I am here to discuss briefly on what it takes to shoot editorial work on location. First and most important you must have a complete understanding of what the client is asking for.

Do they want just a headshot, or do they want a full body shot, how much the environment do they want incorporated and what feeling/mode are they looking for. In order to gather the information needed to create a successful photograph. I normally ask for the Who (who I am I shooting), What (what do they do), Why(why are the being photographed), Where (location and how much does the client want the location to influence the photo) and How (how much TIME do I have with the subject) which in my opinion is the most critical thing to understand. Often times the subject has a very busy schedule and feels they have much more important things to do then get their photo taken. I have had anywhere from 10 minutes to up to an hour so you must be prepared to get what you need in the allowed time.

Upon getting the assignment I typically google the subject. This normally will give you some insight on who you are dealing and in most cases will give the information needed to find some common ground or maybe some of their personal interest. Trust me when I say this they talk business all day every day and if you can find something they are interested outside of the office it will go a long way to getting a genuine photo.

Prior to arriving on location I ask the subject(or their point of contact) if they have a favorite location or an area of the building they are most proud. Then once I arrive I scout the location and look for 2 set-up possibilities. You can get 2 well done photos with just 10 minutes of subjects time if you prepare properly. The images below were of Doug Dixon The General Manager of the Pacific Fisherman Shipyard.

Another thing I find usual is to use minimal equipment. The less lighting equipment you set-up the less intimidating it is to the subject.

The two photos above are of Kimberly Harris the President and CEO of Puget Sound Energy

The two photos below are of Jeff Roe The President and CEO of Premera Blue Cross

And last but not least the two photos below are of Ana Mari Cauce The interim President at the University of Washington. She preferred to be seated so I just gave the client two variations of her seated.

below are a couple of examples of test lighting and compositing so the set is ready for the subject to step in once they arrive. I generally get on location at least 30 minutes and up to an hour prior to shooting time.

All the photos were shot with the minimal equipment. Most with one strobe and never more then two strobes. The rest of my work can be viewed at Chicago Portrait Photographer.

I tend to lean more towards shooting environmental portraits. Which in my opinion contributes to the story of the photo and the subject. You can tell a lot by someones environment. Who they are, what they do and what they are passionate about. However you have to be careful that the environment doesn’t overpower the subject in the photo.

This is a portrait of Black Label Society prior to the drummer leaving the band. It was shot in the alley in downtown Seattle

I love it when I get a meaningful assignment like this. This is from my photo shoot with Board of Directors of The Geneva Foundation.

Jane Taylor Founder & Chief with Elise Huszar President

The Geneva Foundation is a non-profit organization that supports and advances innovative medical research and excellence in education within the U.S. military. With over 450 employees worldwide, we build enduring partnerships dedicated to the health and well-being of U.S. service members, their families, and the global community. Through these partnerships, Geneva connects military researchers to research and educational opportunities in a variety of therapeutic areas. We strive to work hand-in-hand with our partners to shape the future of military medicine.